High-Voltage Battery Venting Against Snow and Ice Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-voltage storage systems in vehicles face issues with ventilation system blockage due to snow, ice, and dirt accumulation, leading to reduced functional reliability and pressure equalization failures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a heating element, heating channel, ultrasonic generator, or spray nozzle to clear obstructions, combined with sensors to detect and manage blockages, and warning systems to alert when blockage exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ventilation device is positioned in areas exposed to environmental elements (wheel arch or underbody area), then the ventilation system can perform pressure equalization, but snow, ice, and dirt accumulate on it causing blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated before snow and ice can accumulate and block the ventilation device, preventing blockage before it occurs. The control unit monitors temperature and activates heating when conditions are favorable for precipitation accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element, which consumes energy, is used to convert the harmful effect of cold temperatures (causing ice accumulation) into a beneficial effect (melting ice and maintaining ventilation patency). The harmful cold environment is transformed into a controlled condition where ice is actively removed.
2Reliability
If a heating element is added to remove snow and ice, then gas permeability is maintained, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it prevents ice accumulation on the ventilation device, maintains gas permeability, and can be integrated with the existing battery thermal management system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation device monitors its own condition through temperature sensors and automatically activates the heating element when needed, without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates based on environmental conditions and ventilation performance.
3Reliability
If the heating device is continuously activated, then snow and ice are prevented from accumulating, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated periodically based on temperature sensor readings and environmental conditions, rather than continuously. The control unit monitors temperature and activates heating only when conditions indicate risk of ice accumulation, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors provide feedback to the control unit about the environmental conditions and ventilation device temperature. This feedback loop enables the system to activate heating only when actually needed, optimizing energy usage while maintaining reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures consistent gas permeability and functional reliability of the ventilation system by effectively removing obstructions, thereby maintaining pressure equalization and preventing system failures.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating element (e.g., a resistance heater) can be provided by means of which the ventilation device can be heated
Implementation Method 2
By heating the ventilation device, snow or ice that has accumulated on the ventilation device can be melted
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic generator with which obstructing substances such as ice or environmental dirt can be removed from the ventilation device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-voltage accumulator that has a high-voltage accumulator housing in which multiple electric storage cells are arranged. A wall of the high-voltage accumulator housing is equipped with at least one aeration/ventilation device which is gas-permeable at least from the interior of the high-voltage accumulator housing to the exterior of the high-voltage accumulator housing such that gas can leak out of the interior of the high-voltage accumulator in the event of an overpressure in the interior of the high-voltage accumulator housing, wherein the aeration/ventilation device is equipped with a device, by means of which a substance that accumulates on the aeration/ventilation device and partly or completely blocks same can be removed.